Album Notes

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Ever since I heard Kristilyn Robertson the first time back in 2005 I dug her style. I loved her first CD, The Uncut Version. It was, indeed, a tad raw but lovely and her style and talent was undeniable.

This record is more polished but not too polished (yes, there is such a thing ... to me).

As you may have guessed this record was inspired by a tree near her home that was full of bees one summer. Some people's instinct is to run screaming (me) others will write a beautiful record (her). This music is in the vein of Terami Hirsch (without the electrics), Sarah Slean (without the drunk-ish vocals) and perhaps, Tori Amos (without the nuts). I love all those women and Robertson fits right in.

The piano is gorgeous. It makes me want to close my eyes and just melt while it washes over me. Her voice is semi-girly and sweet, but not too sugary. It's got an edge too. I like that there is a bit of a cabaret feel (which brings the Slean comparison).

The production is simple. I am not implying it's simple to make it sound good. Just that there is not a lot of extra stuff thrown in. This is good; it's not needed. Her voice is beautiful and crystal clear and so is the piano. Just the way I like it.

Really really a great record. If you like this genre you will love her, I am certain.

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Kristilyn Robertson
The Bee Tree
Independent
Reviewed By: Kelsey Tanasiuk, Arts & Entertainment Staff

It's hard to know what to expect when an artist sends a MySpace-style headshot along with her album. My first assumption was that she isn't actually very good and was trying to compensate by saying "Look how pretty I am!" In the case of Kristilyn Robertson, however, the picture was entirely unnecessary: she's certainly not a singer/songwriter that needs to fall back on her looks, as cute as they may be. By the second track of her album, "Little Earth," you'll already be blown away by her delicate, playful, and beautiful handling of the piano and vocals.

Her lyrics and music are creative and whimsical in a manner that would remind some of the band Eisley, without being a copycat. One might also be tempted to measure her against pop singer/songwriters like Vanessa Carlton, until you realize you can't because Robertson is better than that. Songs like "Your Lovely Bones" just tip the scale in Kristilyn's favour, exhibiting her artful lyrics and lovely vocals in a manner that should make everyone stop and notice.

Overall, The Bee Tree is an album that you just can't sing enough praise about. It will take over your brain for a time and leave the goal of seeing Kristilyn Robertson live very high on your priority list. The Bee Tree leaves you wanting more in all the best ways.